Organising Committee - CSSANZ

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon – University of Otago, Christchurch; President – CSSANZ

Professor Frank Frizelle qualified in Medicine from the University of Otago in 1985. He undertook general surgical training in New Zealand, obtaining Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 1992, before completing advanced post-fellowship training in colorectal surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA, and in laparoscopic surgery in Scotland.

He returned to New Zealand in 1996 as a Senior Lecturer in Surgery at the University of Otago, Christchurch, and was appointed Professor of Colorectal Surgery in 2000. From 2006 to 2019, he served as Head of the Academic Department of Surgery, leading a period of sustained growth in academic productivity, postgraduate training, and international collaboration. He subsequently held the role of Clinical Director of General Surgery for Christchurch and the West Coast at Te Whatu Ora from 2022 to 2024.

Professor Frizelle is internationally recognised for his expertise in diseases of the colon and rectum, particularly colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and complex pelvic surgery. His contributions to medicine have been acknowledged through numerous honours, including appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He has also received several distinguished professional awards, including the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Research Award, and the Colin Macae medal for excellence in the Art of surgery, and more recently, the New Zealand Oncology Society Bridgit Robinson Award recognising sustained contributions to research, and professional leadership.

He has held multiple senior leadership roles within the profession, including Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Post-Fellowship Training Committee in Colorectal Surgery, and Chair of the New Zealand Ministry of Health Colorectal Cancer Standards and Guidelines Group. Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to surgical education, workforce development, and national policy in colorectal cancer care.

Professor Frizelle has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters and delivered over 350 invited presentations at national and international meetings and remains actively engaged in research, clinical governance, and quality improvement initiatives, particularly in the development and application of clinical registries to improve patient outcomes.

He is currently President of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, where he is leading strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the specialty, enhancing international collaboration, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and relevance of the Society.

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